i've just been grafted!
Posted: Tue 17 Mar 2009 1:16 pm
Hey Everyone,
Although I have just registered I have been a regular “guest” user of the KC site and forum for a number of years. I’d just like to say what an excellent “thing” it is.
I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with KC 16 years earlier. The KC progressed rapidly in my right eye (although strangely remains subclinical in the left) and by the age of 20 the words “corneal transplant” was muttered by my consultant. The word transplant scared me and for the next 10 years I muddled with glasses. The glasses did nothing to improve my vision in the right eye but I was unable to tolerate all variations of contact lens. Last year I had enough. Although it was impossible for my vision in the right eye to get worse, I was becoming increasingly sensitive to light, driving at night became difficult and I was frustrated that I could no longer recognise people even if they were only a few feet away. Gordon, my local optician, took the time to listen to my concerns (or moans!), empathise with me and put it quite bluntly “what do you have to lose?” I picked the phone up and called my consultant...
I had my corneal graft, DLK, on the 6th March and was off home the next day, all had gone well. The pharmacy had given me a bad of goodies: oral steroids for a week, a few days of Diamox (to reduce the pressure behind the eye) and four times a day drops (Maxidex and chloramphenicol).
There was no pain just discomfort as if a contact lens had been left in too long. No redness or swelling. For the first week my main issues were my eyes watering almost constantly (I’m sure you could have bottled it and sold it!), some grittiness which I’m putting down to the stitches rubbing against my eye and light sensitivity. Does anyone know how long the light sensitivity will last? I’ve got these really funky goggles which get me some strange looks as I walk down the street. If I can find out how I’ll upload a pic.
I had my first follow up appointment last Thursday. My consultant was very happy. Through my good eye I could see a broad smile. He doesn’t want to see me a month – I’ll put that down to the good progress rather than the fact his clinics are fully booked!!
My vision in the right eye for 10 days post-op is quite good. Although I can’t quite keep the eye open, for those split seconds, I can see objects quite far – it’s strangely exciting. I’m trying hard not to strain and so have self imposed a ban on TV.
What they don’t tell you at the pre-op assessment is how bored you feel afterwards! I think I’ve phoned everyone I know (twice!). I’m itching to get back to work just for something to do. I was hoping to go back to work after 2 weeks if the sensitivity to light settles down. Am I being too ambitious?
It has been good to read through Lucy’s, Johnny’s and Red-Eye’s recent posts and blogs. I’m feeling very lonely at home and it’s good to know there are others who are sharing the same experiences at the same time.
I’ll be in touch soon
chaz xx
Although I have just registered I have been a regular “guest” user of the KC site and forum for a number of years. I’d just like to say what an excellent “thing” it is.
I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with KC 16 years earlier. The KC progressed rapidly in my right eye (although strangely remains subclinical in the left) and by the age of 20 the words “corneal transplant” was muttered by my consultant. The word transplant scared me and for the next 10 years I muddled with glasses. The glasses did nothing to improve my vision in the right eye but I was unable to tolerate all variations of contact lens. Last year I had enough. Although it was impossible for my vision in the right eye to get worse, I was becoming increasingly sensitive to light, driving at night became difficult and I was frustrated that I could no longer recognise people even if they were only a few feet away. Gordon, my local optician, took the time to listen to my concerns (or moans!), empathise with me and put it quite bluntly “what do you have to lose?” I picked the phone up and called my consultant...
I had my corneal graft, DLK, on the 6th March and was off home the next day, all had gone well. The pharmacy had given me a bad of goodies: oral steroids for a week, a few days of Diamox (to reduce the pressure behind the eye) and four times a day drops (Maxidex and chloramphenicol).
There was no pain just discomfort as if a contact lens had been left in too long. No redness or swelling. For the first week my main issues were my eyes watering almost constantly (I’m sure you could have bottled it and sold it!), some grittiness which I’m putting down to the stitches rubbing against my eye and light sensitivity. Does anyone know how long the light sensitivity will last? I’ve got these really funky goggles which get me some strange looks as I walk down the street. If I can find out how I’ll upload a pic.
I had my first follow up appointment last Thursday. My consultant was very happy. Through my good eye I could see a broad smile. He doesn’t want to see me a month – I’ll put that down to the good progress rather than the fact his clinics are fully booked!!
My vision in the right eye for 10 days post-op is quite good. Although I can’t quite keep the eye open, for those split seconds, I can see objects quite far – it’s strangely exciting. I’m trying hard not to strain and so have self imposed a ban on TV.
What they don’t tell you at the pre-op assessment is how bored you feel afterwards! I think I’ve phoned everyone I know (twice!). I’m itching to get back to work just for something to do. I was hoping to go back to work after 2 weeks if the sensitivity to light settles down. Am I being too ambitious?
It has been good to read through Lucy’s, Johnny’s and Red-Eye’s recent posts and blogs. I’m feeling very lonely at home and it’s good to know there are others who are sharing the same experiences at the same time.
I’ll be in touch soon
chaz xx
